Chollima-1 Rocket [UPSC Notes]

A recent attempt by North Korea to launch a spy satellite named Malligyong 1 using the Chollima-1 rocket failed as the spy satellite fell into the sea. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam science and technology segment.

Chollima-1

• The attempt by North Korea is to boost military capabilities in the context of rising tensions with the USA and South Korea.
• North Korea said that it will soon attempt again to relaunch the satellite as its leader is determined to improve weapons and to pressurize the US and South Korea.
• South Korean military rescued parts of the fallen rocket from the waters in 200 Southwest of Eocheongdo island.
• North Korea through the satellite launch violated the UN security council resolutions which banned the country from conducting launches using ballistic technology.
• The launch failed as the rocket lost thrust after the separation of the first and second stages.

Launch Caused Panic

• The launch caused alarm and prompted South Korea and Japan to issue evacuation orders preparing citizens for evacuation.
• The US condemned the launch of the Cholima 1 rocket which was a violation of a UN security council resolution.
• The experts opined that satellite might have the capability to detect troop movements and big targets, such as warships and warplanes.
• If North Korea is able to launch three to five spy satellites it will be able to build a space-based surveillance system that allows it to monitor the Korean Peninsula in near real-time.
• Apart from satellites, North Korea is also planning to introduce other high Technology weapons such as multi-warhead missiles, a nuclear submarine, a solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile and a hypersonic missile.
• The attempt by North Korea to develop nuclear weapons is a strategy by the country to exact concessions from the US. It is important to note that the denuclearization talks with the US have been stalled since 2019.
• Previous satellite launches by the country resulted in the UN imposing economic sanctions against North Korea.
• North Korea successfully launched the first satellite in 2012 and the second satellite in 2016 which were said to be earth observation satellites but experts deny it.

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